Who doesn't LOVE chocolate??

Disclaimer:  I received a race entry to the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave 

to review, find and write race reviews.

Who doesn't love a good theme race?  When you add in chocolate goodness and sweet and salty confections, it doesn't get any better.   It's been a few years since I've ran the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K and I'm very excited.  I ran the race for the first time in April of 2015 and due to scheduling conflicts I haven't returned in 3 years.   

I Finished!  15K  1:23:27

That was at the top of a blog post I wrote about my first experience running this race.  If you want, you can check it out here.  My average time was 8:58/mile.  Going into the race this year, I have a goal of finishing with a time of 8:30/mile.  1:19:14 would put me over the moon.  Challenge accepted!  I have been working hard with strength training and varying up my workouts.  I feel stronger and I know that I'm faster. 

So, WHY run the Allstate Hot Chocolate? 

The SWAG is pretty cool!  Just check out the awesome pull over!  I love purple!

The medals.  Don't they look good enough to eat??  I don't know about you... but I love running races that have nice looking medals!  It's a great reward at your finish line! 

It's a USATF-certified course that has been certified for accuracy.  Is there anyone that hasn't run the 15K distance yet?  It's just enough to feel like you're challenged, and in my opinion, a great race to really work on maintaining speed!  Here's the course map! 

The course winds through some of the most beautiful parts of Minneapolis with beautiful city-scape views most of the run!  It does have some slight elevation changes, but nothing too concerning.  If you can, train a few hills before this race as it's not flat.  

When you register, make SURE to use code  BRHCMINN18 at checkout for a special FREE baseball cap!

I hope to see you in Minneapolis on April 14th!  I'll be there anxious to cross that finish line and fill my belly with yummy chocolate goodness! 

Hot Chocolate 2018 Here I COME!

Disclaimer:  I get to run Hot Chocolate 5K/15K  in Minneapolis on April 2018
as part of being a BibRave Pro.
Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador),
and check out BibRave to review, find and write race reviews.

For the most part, my huge race season of 2017 is already over.   I know... you're saying - "wait a minute.... there is 6 months left in the year?"  But you see, here's the thing....

I had so much preparation leading up to my recent marathon a few weeks ago,  I had little time to focus on anything else.   I promised my family that after my June marathon, I would take it easy in the training department and just run for fun!  

Run for FUN!  I can't think of a better way to run for FUN than to run a Hot Chocolate Race!  I first ran this race back in 2015 and loved every minute of it.  Plus, the post-race medals for the 15K finishers were "BLING" enough for me to register.  In addition, the 15K is a fantastic distance for me because it requires little extra training, as I usually can pick up and run 9 miles at anytime.

I was disappointed in 2016 when an injury gave me my very first DNS.  Major bummer.  Then again this year in April, this race fell on Easter weekend.  In my book, family is always more important than a race, so it was a year that I again could not run it.

April 2018 is my year!  YES!  I'm coming for you Hot Chocolate and I can't wait!

If you're looking for a great race with awesome gear!  Check this one out.  Here are a few highlights!

• Amazing medal
  

• Great Finisher Shirts

• Post race chocolate!  YES!
  
  

It might seem a bit crazy to think about running a race that is still 10 months away... but I say GO FOR IT!  It's a great race!

Plus!!  For bonus SWAG, use CODE "BRHCMINN18" for this super cute baseball cap!